BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Council of
BC YaCHT CLUBS
Advocating for Recreational Boaters
About the Council of BC Yacht Clubs
In January 1956, the first meeting of interested boating clubs was held in Nanaimo. It was then formally registered as British Columbia Non Profit Society in January 1980 representing the interests of boaters from more than 50 British Columbia boating organizations. We have representation on Provincial and Federal committees to provide and receive information pertinent to our recreational interests, and collaborate with like-minded outdoor organizations in BC and Washington State. In 1990, at the request of BC Parks, we formed B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society to assist in funding land purchases to be added to the Marine Park System. We meet four times per year, alternating between the mainland and Vancouver Island.
Current Council Activities
Top Priorities
- Gambier Island Official Community Plan
- Southern Gulf Islands – Southeast Vancouver Island Advisory Group
- Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan
- Amendments to the Land Act
Search for news on these topics here:
Projects
The Council is working and supporting a variety of projects
- Water Use Licence Applications
- Transport Canada
- Navigable Waters Act
- Sewage Regulations
- Canada Shipping Act
- Canadian Hydrographic Services
- Park Host
Marine Parks Forever Society
The Marine Parks Forever Society is an all-volunteer registered non-profit founded by the Council of BC Yacht Clubs in 1990
We advocate for and financially support the creation, expansion or enhancement of BC Marine Parks.
We also execute special projects for boaters like the popular “stern-tie program”.
Recent Developments
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Survey on Islands Trust Draft Policy Statement – Deadline February 2, 2026
The Islands Trust is a unique, province‑created local government whose core mandate is to preserve and protect the environment and […]
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Islands Trust 2024/25 Annual Report is now available
The Islands Trust 2024/25 Annual Report is now available online. Each year, this report provides a snapshot of Islands Trust work in […]
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Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC published the Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities describing tools for recreation organizations […]
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Sunshine Coast Dock Licences are Here
By the Waterfront Protection Coalition – July 29, 2025 The Province has issued a Ministerial Order launching a new fast-tracked process […]
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PHARA challenges BC Reconciliation Law
A petition has been filed by the Pender Harbour Area Residents Association (PHARA) in BC Supreme Court, challenging the Declaration […]
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Upcoming information sessions: shíshálh Nation – British Columbia Foundation Agreement and shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan
shíshálh Nation and the Province recently renewed the 2018 Foundation Agreement. Join B.C. representatives for a virtual information session to […]
Boating News
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Canadian Navigable Waters Act legislative review
Transport Canada is asking for feedback from recreational boaters along with the shipping industry on the reworked federal Navigable Waters […]
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Proposed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve on the Central Coast (NMCAR)
The government of Canada, through Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the province of British Columbia, and the Nations […]
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Salish Sea Symposium
The 2024 Salish Sea Symposium (January 23-24, 2024) is organized by Transport Canada as an event held under the Oceans […]
Council News
Yacht Club Job Postings
⚓ No postings today, but the tide is always changing—new opportunities may dock soon!
Council Meetings
Our next meeting is on
Saturday, February 28, 2026 via Zoom
Our meeting schedule for 2026 is
February 28, 2026 online via Zoom
May 16, 2026 Nanaimo Yacht Club and via Zoom
September 19, 2026 online via Zoom
November 21, 2026 West Vancouver Yacht Club (tbc) and via Zoom